Bill
Armstrong
The Armstrong Project
The Armstrong Project preserves and promotes the legacy of Senator William Armstrong. Watch the 2024 William L. Armstrong Award film now!
Broadcaster
At 19, Bill Armstrong was America’s first teenage Top 40 Disc Jockey, beginning his lifetime in the broadcasting business. In 1959 he bought KOSI radio and became a well-known personality in Denver. He was president of Armstrong Broadcasting Company and Ambassador Media Corporation, owned a major daily newspaper and three TV stations, and served on the board of the AP Broadcasters Association.
Businessman
Bill Armstrong was highly successful as an entrepreneur and small businessman. Starting in radio, he broadened his family's portfolio into newspaper publishing, television broadcasting, and eventually the financial services and real estate businesses. Many of these ventures were in partnership with his son Wil, including his last private business, a software development firm. He also served on the boards of numerous public companies.
Statesman
Bill Armstrong was a leader on the national stage and a transformative figure in Colorado politics for 50 years. A State Legislator, Congressman, and U.S. Senator, he also chaired the influential Senate Republican Policy Committee. He became a conservative favorite for President, but instead decided to return home to Colorado, modeling the “citizen legislator” standard he believed in.
Christian Activist
Bill Armstrong was a vital leader in the national evangelical movement, and one of the most highly sought speakers at Christian events across the nation. With good humor and charming wit, he lived the life of a Christian statesman, involved in the most important issues of the day, with an approach centered on Christian principles. Billy Graham called him “the most inspirational and enlightening speaker” the National Prayer Breakfast ever had.
Educator
Bill Armstrong was highly successful as an entrepreneur and small businessman. Starting in radio, he broadened his family's portfolio into newspaper publishing, television broadcasting, and eventually the financial services and real estate businesses. Many of these ventures were in partnership with his son Wil, including his last private business, a software development firm. He also served on the boards of numerous public companies.
William L. Armstrong was born in Fremont, Nebraska March 16, 1937, and died July 15, 2016 in Denver. He was a highly successful businessman, starting in radio, then newspapers and television, and eventually the financial services and real estate businesses. At the same time, he was a pivotal figure in Colorado politics for 50 years. He became an important national leader in the U.S. Senate, an influential figure in the Christian evangelical movement, and led one of the nation’s top private Christian universities.